Lawmakers Throw Support Behind “Stan Musial” Bridge

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ST. LOUIS, MO (KTVI) - It would be hard to find anybody against the idea. Missouri U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill and Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin are behind the move in Washington to get the bridge named after the late Cardinal hall of famer.

"Since the bridge spans two states we thought it would be a good idea to have us act with legislation naming it the Stan Musial bridge." said Sen. Claire McCaskill - (D) Missouri.

The idea is even bridging the gap between democrats and republicans. "Tommy LaSorda was the long time Dodgers manager who was a player with Stan and he said he thought Stan Musial was the best ballplayer he ever saw." said Sen. Roy Blunt - (R) Missouri.

The bridge is expected to open next year. So, many people feel now is the time to give it a name. Some people have suggested that the bridge should be named after a congressman from Missouri or Illinois or a historical figure. One of Stan Musial's contemporaries, the late Ted Williams of the Boston Red Sox has a tunnel at Boston Harbor named after him and he had a lot fewer hits than Musial. Now, it looks like this will be Stan's time.

An online petition has also gone up on the White House's "We the People" website asking that the bridge be named after the Cardinal legend. The petition also request federal officials to encourage Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to consent.

Stan Musial died on Saturday at the age of 92. A public visitation is planned for Thursday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Boulevard. Musial's funeral mass is set for Saturday, January 26th at 11 a.m.

Immediately after the mass, the funeral procession will make its way to Busch Stadium where the family will lay a wreath at the base of the statue of Stan Musial as part of a prayer ceremony.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Covenant House or the charity of Cardinal fans’ choice in the name of Stan Musial.